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Okay, you got the bike — what pedals are you going to put on it? Flats vs. clipless. Guess what? It depends. Fortunately, this is one of the simpler decisions in mountain biking. Clipless Pedals Despite the name, clipless pedals actually clip you into the bike. The pedal latches onto a cleat mounted to the bottom of a compatible shoe. The cleat is usually positioned near the ball of your foot, allowing you to lock into the pedal while riding. Being connected to the bike impro

Great question. As with almost everything in the bike world, the answer is always: “It depends.” The gear you need depends on the type of riding you plan to do and how much protection you want. Need-to-Know Points A helmet is the most important piece of mountain bike gear Half shell helmets are lighter; full face helmets offer more protection Gloves improve grip and reduce hand fatigue Downhill pads prioritize protection; trail pads prioritize mobility and pedaling Glasses an

Need-to-Know Points Hard boards offer better performance, speed, glide, and tracking Inflatable boards are easier to transport and store Most beginners are happy with an inflatable board Frequent paddlers often prefer hard boards Neither option is better for everyone The best paddle board depends on how you plan to use it If you're shopping for a paddle board, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is: Should I buy an inflatable paddle board or a hard board? The short

Okay, here we go — you want to get into mountain biking. But where do you start? Good question. There is a lot that goes into buying a mountain bike, and one thing becomes obvious very quickly: local bike shops are incredibly helpful. The good news is that you do not need to know everything before walking into a shop. You just need a basic understanding of the questions you should start asking yourself. Before Buying the Bike What size bike do I need? Bike sizing is one of th

Need-to-Know Points Start with your height to narrow down bike sizes Bike sizing is different between brands Test riding bikes is the best way to find the right fit Riders between sizes can size up for stability or down for agility Reach affects how long and stable you feel on the bike Head tube angle affects bike handling Comfort and confidence matter most You’re looking at getting a mountain bike — yay! Now comes the hundreds of questions you need to answer before choosing

Need-to-Know Points Sandpoint offers paddleboarding options for every skill level Sand Creek is one of the best beginner-friendly paddles in the area Sandpoint City Beach provides easy access to Lake Pend Oreille Priest Lake offers calm water and scenic no-wake paddling routes Round Lake is great for a full day of paddling and camping Clark Fork provides a more adventurous paddleboarding experience One of the best things about living in or visiting Sandpoint is how many place

One of the biggest questions that you will need to answer when getting a bike is hardtail or full suspension. If you’ve followed our previous articles, you’ll know our solid answer is: “It depends.” The best thing to do is find out what questions to ask yourself when thinking about your new mountain bike hobby. The best mountain bike for you depends on a few things: Your local trails Your riding goals Your budget How much climbing you do Both bike styles are capable. They jus

Ever finish a long gravel climb with tired legs and wonder where all your energy went? Getting faster and riding farther isn’t always about pushing harder. It’s about riding smarter — using your body, your bike, and your gear to work together. A few small changes to your pedal stroke, bike setup, and riding technique can help you stay comfortable, efficient, and strong for miles. Smooth Beats Hard A powerful pedal stroke isn’t just about stomping on the pedals. A smoother rot

Need-to-Know Points Most paddle boards require an Idaho Invasive Species Sticker Paddle boards do not need to be registered in Idaho Children 14 and younger must wear a life jacket Adults must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board A whistle or other sound-producing device is required Boating under the influence laws apply to paddle boards You're ready to get out on the water, awesome. Before you launch your paddle board this summer, it's worth understanding a

Bike packing is easier to get into than you might think. Learn how to plan your first overnight trip, choose essential gear, pack your bike, and find the right bags without spending a fortune. Start with the bike you already own, keep it simple, and get ready for your first adventure.

Looking to hit the water in North Idaho? From choosing the right board and navigating state laws to finding the best calm-water spots around Sandpoint and Priest Lake, this complete guide covers everything you need to start paddleboarding today.